Our Approach

At St Philomena’s, we believe that computing provides pupils with essential knowledge and skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Our computing curriculum is designed to develop confident, creative and responsible users of technology who can use digital tools purposefully, solve problems and understand the opportunities and challenges of the online world.

We believe that computing is about more than learning how to use technology. It is about developing computational thinking, creativity, resilience and problem-solving skills, while ensuring that pupils understand how to stay safe, make responsible choices and behave respectfully when using digital technology.

Through engaging and progressive learning experiences, we aim to equip all pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become capable digital learners, prepared for the opportunities and demands of an ever-changing technological world.

Our Curriculum

Our computing curriculum is underpinned by the National Curriculum and carefully designed to ensure clear progression in knowledge, understanding and skills from EYFS to Year 6.

We use the Purple Mash scheme of work to support the delivery of our computing curriculum. This provides a structured and progressive approach to learning, ensuring that pupils revisit and build upon key concepts as they move through the school.

Learning is organised around the key areas of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Pupils develop their understanding of how computers and digital systems work, learn to create and manipulate digital content, and explore how technology can be used to communicate, collaborate and solve problems.

In EYFS, children begin to develop their understanding of technology through exploration, purposeful play and age-appropriate activities. They encounter different forms of technology, develop early problem-solving skills and begin to understand how digital devices can support learning and communication. These experiences provide the foundations for more structured computing learning in Key Stage 1.

Across Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils develop their computing knowledge and skills through carefully sequenced learning experiences. They explore programming and coding, use technology to create digital content, develop their understanding of computer systems and learn how to use a range of digital tools effectively. As pupils progress, they are encouraged to think logically, solve problems, debug programs and apply their knowledge with increasing independence.

Online safety is an integral part of our computing curriculum. It is taught explicitly every half term, ensuring that pupils regularly revisit important messages and develop the knowledge and understanding needed to keep themselves safe online. Online safety is also embedded within our Relationships and Health Education (RHE) curriculum and is regularly discussed as part of our wider safeguarding curriculum. This reinforces the importance of making safe, responsible and respectful choices both online and offline.

Beyond the Computing Lesson

Computing is embedded throughout the wider life of the school, with opportunities for pupils to apply their digital skills across different subjects and areas of learning. Technology is used purposefully to enhance learning, support creativity, encourage collaboration and enable pupils to present and communicate their ideas in different ways.

Links with subjects such as English, mathematics, science, geography and history provide opportunities for pupils to use technology in meaningful contexts, making connections between their computing knowledge and the wider curriculum.

Online safety remains a priority beyond dedicated computing lessons. Through regular discussions, assemblies, our RHE curriculum and our wider safeguarding provision, pupils are encouraged to think critically about their online experiences, recognise potential risks and understand where and how to seek help. We aim to foster a whole-school culture in which children feel confident to talk about their online experiences and know that trusted adults are there to support them.

What We Want Pupils to Achieve

By the end of Year 6, we want pupils to have developed secure computing knowledge and a broad range of digital skills. We want them to understand the principles of computer science, use technology creatively and effectively, and apply computational thinking to solve problems.

We want pupils to be confident in using a range of digital tools, understand how technology works and be able to create, evaluate and improve their own digital outcomes. We also want them to recognise the importance of technology in everyday life and understand how it can be used positively and responsibly.

Crucially, we want every pupil to leave St Philomena’s with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world safely. We want them to understand how to protect their personal information, recognise inappropriate or harmful online behaviour, treat others respectfully and know how to report concerns and seek support.

Our Computing Policy and curriculum documents provide further information about curriculum content, progression and expectations from EYFS to Year 6.